Be a great leader of your own time

“Time management” is the magic that we create by utilizing our time efficiently to maximize our productivity in achieving short and long-term goals while still having lots of time to play!

Every single person has 24 hours. Some accomplish so much during that time including, productivity, happiness and a balanced life style that even gives them free time and freedom and while others get frustrated over a heavy work load, a list of endless tasks and no time for themselves.

So the crucial question is? How can you manage your time successfully? It all comes down to one thing: mindful time management.

Check out my ‘10 mindful time management’ tips, so you can be conscious about your decision making, pull out your steel discipline and achieve massive success! 

Tip #1: Be mindful of your time…it is precious

Are you aware of what you spend your time on? Do you have a priority list? Do you get distracted easily?

Get a time management app RESCUE TIME and track your activity for at least 5 days https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=RescueTime+Team&hl=en&gl=US

There is always room for improvement. Try to do this consciously and well. 

Tip #2: Learn to set S.M.A.R.T goals …this is key

If you have a goal great! Try to answer the questions below. Even try to set smaller goals at a shorter term so the experience will be positive. You may also have to pivot and adjust the partial and overall goal several times. Do whatever it takes to get there.

Specific: What specifically do you want the outcome to be?

Measurable: What does it look like in figures or success when you have accomplished your goal?

Achievable: How realistic is my goal considering my expertise and the resources I have available?

Realistic: How does your goal fit in with your other priorities?

Timely: What is the exact date by when you will have achieved your goal?

Tip #3: Clean your life off the clutter…

Does this sound like you? Too much stuff on your desk, too many apps on your phone, too many people hold you responsible for tasks that are not yours, too many responsibilities are piling up on your desk. Everyone wants something from you. Stress. Let’s STOP for a minute. Try to take time to make space. This is vital to have a clear, clean picture in order to make a priority list and see what you need to do to go forward to

Tip #4: Have your entire week planned out on Sunday

What better plan can you have than to have a complete priority list for the entire week, when you walk into the office or hold your first online meeting on Monday.

If you have clarity you can switch off the weekend mindset to a productive ‘Yes, let’s do it week ahead!’

Spend 10-15 minutes on Sunday to do this. Do not procrastinate and say you will wake up early on Monday. Always remember that we are not always the same: your energy and motivation by change during the week. Write down your daily tasks the day before, and create a priority list of your weekly goals.

Another Top Tip: Try to prioritize on high energy tasks on Tuesday and Thursday. Schedule meetings for Monday and Friday. Wednesday is a good day for networking and finding new prospects and connecting with already existing ones.

Tip #5: Make a complete To-Do-List and cross off the things you have accomplished

A to do list helps you stay focus along the day. It is easy to lose focus or track or even get distracted if you do not have your list in place. Unexpected things happen all day every day. Write even the extra tasks you have done down and you will get an extra satisfaction and energy kick out of it.

Tip #6: What’s first is first

Make sure you tackle the most important and demanding tasks first thing in the morning. Do not procrastinate and use your time wisely.

Tip #7: Block distractions

This is a hard one especially because many people work remotely and at home we have our kids and our husbands, social media and the garbage man who passes by. How can we ever concentrate?

Put your phone on aerial mode unless it is absolutely necessary to keep it on. Make yourself available only at certain times a day so you can focus on your work. Look for a quiet place to work from when you are at home, where you have enough light and a good posture.

Tip #8: Do not multitask

Be mindful of what you are doing at all time. Take time to rest, to relax and stretch. Research had proven that multitasking causes stress and does not help you deliver quality. Your health will be compromised if you multitask for a long period of time.

Tip #9: Become a problem solver

Conflict happens, as we are all human. When problems occurs take care of them right away. Be accountable for what is going on and take full responsibility. This way you have your teams back and their trust.

Practice spending time outside of your comfort zone and you will harvest the results.

Tip #10: Lead a healthy, balanced life style

Especially if you are one of the smarter workers who works remotely, make sure you stay hydrated, eat healthy, schedule time in to exercise and get enough sleep.

All these tips will contribute to you getting a grip on your prioritized work load in a healthy, happy way.